For some people, getting to the Apache Trail takes just a few minutes (east Mesa, Apache Junction) but for some of you, this will be a day trip. However you get there, you need to take U.S. 60 east all the way to Apache Junction to the cutoff for AZ88/Idaho Road. AZ 88 is the Apache Trail, but first you have to drive through a bit of Apache Junction to get to the fun part.
There are many stops that can be made along the way. Your trip might take 2 hours, or it might take 7 hours or longer. It just depends on the route you take, and how many stops you make! You are driving in the Superstition wilderness area, home of the Lost Dutchman State Park, and a part of Arizona known historically for mining. Shortly after turning onto AZ 88, you'll come upon Goldfield Ghost Town. It is a tourist attraction. We didn't have time today to make that stop. We were headed to Tortilla Flat.
Tip #2
There are scenic stops all along the Apache Trail, and some have paved parking lots, visitor information, paths, and rest rooms. There are places along the road where there is enough room to pull to the side and take photos if you'd like, but please don't do it unless there's an obvious pullout. You don't want to try to get a tow truck out to the Apache Trail.
Page 1: Intro: Driving the Apache Trail
Page 2: Getting There
Page 3: Canyon Lake
Page 4: Tortilla Flat
Page 5: What to Bring
Page 6: Scary Drive
Page 7: Fish Creek Hill
Page 8: When To Go
Page 9: Driving Tips
Page 10: Apache Lake
Page 11: Apache Trail Route Map
